As a result of the circumstances we find ourselves in due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the everchanging business landscape, digital technology has never played a bigger role in the ongoing success and viability of businesses then right now. 

With many businesses around the world forced to develop a digital presence to continue operating, connect with employees and customers, and simply survive during the worst of the pandemic, business owners have been made to adapt and introduce new technology, whether or not they want to. 

However, knowing where to start when it comes to investing in the right digital technology can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly for small and medium-sized business (SME) owners with limited resources. 

From Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to different types of servers to the cloud, trying to get your head around what technology your business needs can result in an overload of information that only serves to further confuse owners. 

It can also be a very costly exercise, which can present a barrier for businesses who may think their limited resources are better spent elsewhere. 

To assist SME owners who are in need of guidance when it comes to introducing digital technology to their business, MTA Queensland recently hosted a digital workshop for small businesses at the ‘Your Entrepreneur Project’ Y(E)P facility in Goodna. 

Led by MTA Queensland’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer James Orr, the workshop was designed to introduce current and future entrepreneurs and business owners to how investments in digital technology can transform their business for the better. Covering topics ranging from securing your business and data online, to leveraging cloud services to reduce risks, to implementing software services to optimise operations, the workshop had something for business owners at all stages of growth. 

The rise of cloud-based services in recent times has significantly changed how many businesses operate. Countless subscription-based services now exist that businesses can utilise to perform tasks, store data and scale their business, that are cost-effective and removes the need of the business to manage complex hardware or networks. James explained how SMEs could take advantage of these services and eliminate the need to invest in expensive hardware and servers in-house, handing the responsibility of running, storing and managing the servers over to external parties. 

James also taught attendees the importance of protecting their digital assets, suggesting owners look into password management platforms to keep passwords secure and update their internet router passwords with complex passwords, while ensuring only those inside the business have access to the password. 

“The number of people who use the same password for every service or platform they use, or will use weak, easily decryptable passwords is a huge issue,” said James. “While this may be convenient for business owners who already have so much to deal with and remember, it can leave your business exposed and an easy threat. I would encourage all businesses to investigate platforms such as LastPass or 1Password where secure, computer generated passwords can be created and stored, leaving you to remember one simple password to log-in to the platform. It can save you considerably down the line.” 

The interactive session was well received by the engaged audience, with many taking the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into how certain technologies could benefit their business operations specifically. 

Aimed at helping businesses adapt and transform their business in the wake of a constantly changing business landscape, the workshop was delivered as part of MTA Queensland’s role in the Federal Government’s Small Business Digital Champions Project, where MTA Queensland has been selected as an Industry Association adviser. 

24 August 2020